Baptism

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20; ESV).

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Etymology

The English word baptize comes directly from the Greek verb transliterated baptiz? (^[[Strong's](Strong's_Concordance)\ #907]^). Likewise the noun baptism is from the Greek noun transliterated baptisma (^[[Strong's](Strong's_Concordance)\ #908]^). Many believe that baptizo is properly translated "immerse" or "dip" as into water. However others, based on the used of baptizo in connection with dining couches in Mark 7:4 understand that the term, by the time of the New Testament was used generically for 'washing' or 'cleansing' by different methods.

John's baptism

"John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." (Mark 1:4)

See main page: Baptism of John

Baptism of Jesus

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:13-17

See main page: Baptism of Jesus

Christian baptism

Following his resurrection, Jesus instituted the sacrament of Baptism in giving the "great commission," (Matthew 28:19). Paul describes Christian baptism in Romans 6 as a union with the death of Christ. "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

Believer's baptism

Some denominations, such as Baptists, maintain that the eligible candidate for baptism must profess a faith or demonstrate a belief in the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Consequently, these groups are among those who hold to what is called a believer's baptism.

Luke writes of the birth of God's church in Acts chapter 2, and it is in this chapter where Peter preaches the saving power of the gospel message in the present tense for the first time. When those who might have had a hand in the death of Christ felt remorse for their actions, they cried out to Peter what must they do. Peter tells them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Luke records (in Acts 2:41) that those who received the message were baptized, an indication that belief was involved. The baptism of the Samaritans in Acts 8:12-13 also demonstrates this link between belief and baptism.

Those who practice infant baptism generally do accept that non-infants should only be baptized and admitted as members of the church if they express faith in Christ. Believer's baptism emphasizes that baptism should only be administered to those who make a credible profession of faith.

See main page: Believer's baptism

Infant baptism

Many reformed believers regard baptism as a Sign and a Seal of the covenant of grace. As such, they baptize infants, not to make them members of God's church, but because they are members of God's church. See Christian Baptism by John Murray

See main page: Infant baptism

Modes

Most denominations baptize by sprinkling or pouring, while accepting the validity of immersion. Others, such as the Baptists, insist that the only valid form is immersion. Some groups, notably the Church of Christ, hold immersion as an essential piece of the salvation process.

Relevant passages

  • Matthew 28:19
  • Mark 16:16
  • Acts 2:38
  • Acts 22:16
  • Romans 6:3-8
  • Colossians 2:12 - "Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead" (NKJV)

See also

External links

Lutheran

Reformed